Teesside Athletic will need to be at their best if they are to profit from their journey to Whitehaven.

The Cumbrians have been in excellent form and victory will take them to the top for the first time this season.

Teesside will be without Phil Northway and captain Ian Johnson but leading scorer James Kesterton and Ian Mudd resume.

Two consecutive defeats in the last week have proved constly to Birtley Town who must return to form at second-from-bottom Nissan SSC Sunderland if they are to keep the pressure on the top two. Paul Bryson, Tony Thirkell and Tony Coe return for Birtley.

At the other end of the table Coxhoe Athletic are involved in a bottom six clash at Wolviston. The visitors are severely depleted with the absence of James Hart, Kevin Bush, Mark Watson, Robert Tones, Paul Gardner, Dave Alderson and Stuart Rand. Andrew Soppitt and Michael Armstrong are doubtful.

Wolviston will field a stronger line-up with Paul Roberts, Stephen Kilpatrick and Anthony Ptopholous added to the side which convincingly defeated Boldon CA in midweek.

Willington will be unable to call upon Les Langley in the remaining games and also out at Annfield Plain is Gavin Luke, but manager Mark Fanning is hopeful of Andrew Howard and Michael Abson resuming.

Ryhope CW host Windscale, who are in with a chance of the title. The Wearsiders' only doubt is Kevin Benison with a hamstring injury.

Bottom-of-the-table Ferryhill Athletic go to Harton and Westoe who are stronger with the inclusion of Jonathan Mullen, John Smith, David Myers and David Hopper.